An observation: the vibe on set is determined by the way the D/1stAD/DOP/Gaffer relate. If they are all blokey, it becomes a bloke-athon. This turns into dismissive impatience to H&M + costume (often women), giving green light to anyone who wants to behave badly to the women. https://twitter.com/screendaily/status/1392032472146317317

Add a weak or intimidated producer in the mix (and it can get intimidating when the crew veers that way without any other voices in the mix), if you are being harassed an abused as a woman or a gay man, you’ve got no chance. If you complain, you’ll be fired. We need ground rules.

The industry must understand that even though actors are vulnerable to abuse, once they have shot a bit of the show, they are very hard to replace. That means their complaints will be taken more seriously. Behind the scenes workers simply do not have this protection.

I reserve special levels of disgust for stars who abuse behind the scenes dept workers for this reason. They know exactly what they are doing and that they get away with it. I have called it out before, but not been brave enough every time. I will absolutely do it every time now.

Finally a short practical tip for each of these roles based on my experience:
Ps: gather your HODs at the beginning and tell them all the rules and that ANY complaint will be taken seriously.
Ds: set the tone immediately. Make it clear that you expect respect in all directions.

1st ADs: never ever roll your eyes or rush final checks. Ever. I have had to abandon whole takes in the edit because hair or make up or costume wasn't right. Final checks are important. They are not a 'mother's meeting'. (I have heard this used).

Gaffers: please keep an eye on any underlying gags arising in your team that are derogatory to the cast or other workers, and have a word if it's getting out of hand. We can feel it.

DOPs: please set the tone with the crew that final checks are as important as a re-light. If there's all the time in the world for a relight, but H&M and costume are being harassed and belittled, something is wrong. Please make it clear everyone has important work to do.

Many thanks. I've worked with so many fantastic people over the years. But one highly placed arsehole can really bring a wrecking ball to the whole thing. As I once discovered on set when my trousers split doing a tricky dance move.

PS over 20 years I have seen a LOT of shit behaviour. (God knows I've been grumpy myself a few times). But I would say that all the very worst perpetrators have had one thing in common - they haven't been very good at their jobs.

Finally, before I go away and do some work: fellow actors, if you find you are the biggest star on set, if you are 1, 2 or 3 on the call sheet, we also have quite a lot of power whoever we are. So we should use it when we can. x